Should You Use an Auger or Hyrojet for Drain Cleaning?
A clogged drain, whether it's the toilet, the sink, or your main sewer line, is more than an inconvenience. It can lead to sewage backup in your home, as well as the inability to use the affected plumbing. When it comes to professional drain cleaning, you have two options: augering and hydro jetting. The following can help you decide which is best.
1. Augers
An auger is also sometimes referred to as a drain snake. It consists of a cable that has a head attached. The auger head may have blades attached or it may resemble a large corkscrew. Augers can be manual, which means the plumber turns a handle to operate it, or they may be motorized. There are different designs and lengths, depending on where the auger is to be used, such as versions for toilet use and those made for main drain clearing.
How It Works
The auger is fed down the clogged drain until it reaches the clog. The turning motion of the auger allows it to chew through the clog, pushing it out of the way so the water can flow through the drain again. The opening in the line will only be as large as the auger head, so it's important that the right size of auger is used.
When to Use It
Augers are best suited to minor clogs since they do not completely clean out the drain. They are also recommended for older drain systems, since these may not be durable enough to withstand the pressure of hydro jetting.
2. Hydro jetting
With hydro jetting, a hose is fed into the drain. The hose is equipped with a nozzle on one end that sends out a high-pressure stream of water. The plumber operates a compressor, which is what pressurizes the water as it comes out the end of the hose.
How It Works
The high-pressure water stream first forces out the clog. Then, it removes any remaining residue for the drain lines so that they are perfectly clean. Powerful jets of water can travel around pipe bends with minimal loss of pressure, so this method is suitable for most drain types, including main drains and toilets.
When to Use It
Hydro jetting shouldn't be used on old fragile pipes or if there may be other damage to the pipe, so it is vital to consult with a professional before choosing this option. Hydro jetting is an excellent option for major clogs, particularly in main sewer lines. You can also use hydro jetting for annual drain cleaning, which will ensure you will never have an unforeseen clog.
Contact a drain cleaning service near you for more assistance.